Old Zionsville

Friday, August 29, 2025

Hi All!

Sunday, August 31 – Twelfth Sunday in Pentecost

• Worship starting at 9:30 a.m.; our look at the disciples continues with Judas Iscariot.
• We will also enjoy a slide show revisiting the progress of our Windows to the Future renovation project.
• There is no Sunday school.
• This is our last Sunday of summer worship; next Sunday (Sep 7), we resume our usual hours with Sunday school at 9:00 a.m. and worship at 10:15 a.m.
• In case of excessive heat, worship will be held in the air conditioned lower social hall.

Bereavement Leave

Ellie, our new church secretary, has experienced the loss of a family member. She will be out of the office for a few days.

Looking for Property Committee Chair

Beth Massa has resigned as chairperson of the Property Committee effective Aug. 30. We thank Beth for her almost 10 years as the chair of Property. This committee has been humming along getting so much done to keep our church in great shape. You can join the fun on the committee as they continue serving. Talk with me about this.

Corn Time Coming!

It is almost time to husk, take the corn off the cob, and blanche it for those yummy corn pies! Thanks to everyone who has offered the use of a microwave for this project! It will be on Thursday, September 4. Thanks in advance for your help.

Other News

• We are still collecting all kinds of batteries and printer or ink cartridges to recycle at Staples. To date we have raised over $200 toward Staples purchases. I have small boxes at the front and ramp doors for your “contributions.” Or you can put bags of batteries outside of my office. Thanks! Keep them coming. You are an awesome support of this interesting way to recycle and get credit at Staples for future purchases.
• Looking ahead: We have some exciting options for Adult Education coming to our church in the fall. Be sure to see the articles in your August newsletter so you can plan your learning journey for these upcoming September and October sessions.
  • Want to ramp up your learning about Jesus this fall? Come to church on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. starting on Sept. 10 to view The Chosen, Season 4. We are together about an hour or so; we have snacks and great conversation about this show. This will run until the end of October. Speak with me if you have questions.
  • We are also having a special speaker in October to help us learn more about the story of the Prodigal Son. Tom Dilts comes to us as an educated speaker on this topic and will keep us riveted in our seats to hear more in depth discoveries. Please plan to stay after worship on Sundays in October: 5, 12, 19 to enjoy a buffet lunch and learning. We plan to conclude around 1:45 p.m. each Sunday. The book will be available soon and will cost about $10. The study will also focus on Rembrandt’s painting of the The Prodigal.
• If you need pastoral care between Aug 22 and 30, please contact the church office or Cheryl Martucci, our Consistory president, to be connected to somone who can help you.

We have many members and friends of the congregation who have suffered bereavements over the past week. For details, please contact me or the church office.

As always, we hold in prayer many of our members and friends who are walking through difficult seasons—facing grief, illness, loneliness, changes in living situations, and other challenges that weigh heavily on the heart. We also remember our brothers and sisters around the world who continue to recover from the devastation of war, oppression, and natural disasters.

At the same time, we give thanks for the many joys among us—birthdays and anniversaries, the gift of new life, healing and remission from illness, and countless other blessings that remind us of God’s goodness.

We ask you to continue in faithful prayer: prayers of comfort and strength, of healing and hope, and of deep gratitude for all that God is doing in our midst. Thank you for embodying the love of Christ and for being the church together.

Peace to all,
Lori Esslinger
Part Time Pastor, Old Zionsville UCC
call or text:  610-393-3522

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